The Unseen Mures County

When you think of “Mureș” as a region, the first things that come to mind might be the city of Târgu Mureș, popular resorts like Sovata, with the famous Bear Lake or the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sighișoara. These are undoubtedly beautiful places, but Mureș County has much more to offer beyond the well-known attractions marked on the map. Beyond the classic tourist trails, there is a quiet yet enchanting world. Forgotten villages, legends whispered only among locals, and landscapes that take your breath away with their simplicity. This hidden region of Transylvania reveals a lesser-known but incredibly valuable side. It’s the unseen Mureș, away from the bustle of mass tourism, where every country road seems to lead to a story. If you have the heart of an explorer and seek unfiltered experiences, join us on a different journey, deep into the heart of the hidden Mureș!

Hidden in the heart of the Călimani Mountains, near the village of Andreneasa, lies a truly special place: the "Căsoaia lui Ladaș" Mold Cave. This rare geological curiosity was formed in volcanic rock around 5 million years ago, during the active period of the Călimani-Gurghiu volcano. Lava covered the trunks of trees, and as the wood decomposed, empty galleries were left behind natural imprints that define this mold cave, a phenomenon almost unique in the world. Access to the "Căsoaia lui Ladaș" cave is relatively easy and does not require high levels of physical fitness. The trail begins from the county road connecting Toplita to Reghin, just after the village of Andreneasa. From here, follow a forest road, and then continue on a marked path that gently climbs through the forest. In some sections, the path becomes a little steeper, but it remains accessible for most visitors. The cave is about 1.5 kilometers away, and the hike takes around 30 to 40 minutes. The trail does not require special equipment and is suitable for families with children or those with no mountain experience. However, it is recommended to visit during the warm season, as snow can make the steeper sections more difficult to navigate in winter.

2. The God's Chair, in Calimani Mountains

Hidden in the southwest of the Calimani Mountains, The God’s Chair is a natural andesite formation that, from a distance, resembles a throne. The legend says that God rested here after creating the mountains, valleys, and the Mures River. Today, it’s a popular destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those drawn to local legends. The trail begins in Bistra Muresului village, ascending over 900 meters in approximately 4 hours through forests, rivers, and rocky areas. The view from the top is truly breathtaking. So, make sure to add this trail to your list!

At the foot of wooded hills in Mures County lies a village that seems straight out of a fairytale: the village of Saschiz. Located in the heart of Transylvania, this picturesque village not only houses a fortified church included in the UNESCO World Heritage, but also hides a true historical treasure that is less well-known. With roots dating back to the years 1308-1310, this place exudes an atmosphere of peace and authenticity, being a place where culture and tradition remain alive. Saschiz retains the charm of an authentic Saxon village, with traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, built by the Saxons, reflecting the architectural style specific to the region and offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The Saxon Fortress, built on a hill and located on the site of an ancient Roman fortification, was strategically constructed to control the trade route between Rupea and Sighisoara. Recently restored through an extensive rehabilitation project, the fortress has regained its rightful place on the map of Transylvania's historical attractions. Its official reopening took place on May 3rd, during the local Rhubarb Festival, celebrating traditional products and village values. With restored pathways, fortified walls, and breathtaking viewpoints, the fortress now offers visitors both: a journey through history and an unforgettable view of the surrounding area. And if you visit Saschiz, you must make a stop at the Fortified Church. Built in 1493 on the site of a former Roman basilica, the church impresses with its Gothic architecture and the history that pulses through its walls. Dedicated to King Stephen I of Hungary, the church is now a symbol of the community and a true treasure of local heritage, protected by UNESCO.

Near Sighisoara, the medieval town famous for its narrow streets and old towers, lies a lesser known yet truly fascinating destination: the Breite Millennium Oak Reservation. This place, steeped in history and wild nature, offers tourists the chance to enjoy nature, hiking, and history, all in one. The reservation is home to over 600 impressive trees, most of which are between 350 and 450 years old, with some specimens reaching nearly 800 years. Sighisoara becomes a place with dual heritage: not only a renowned medieval citadel, but also a true medieval forest that predates even the construction of the fortress. It is considered "the largest, most representative, and well preserved habitat of wooded pasture with oaks and millennium old oaks in Southeastern Europe, a rare and valuable corner of nature. Throughout the centuries, this forest has remained almost untouched by urban development, preserving its charm and mystery. It can be reached via a series of hiking trails, and the landscape provided by the forest is remarkable in any season. In spring, when nature comes to life, or in autumn, when the leaves turn into a mosaic of warm colors, the Ancient Oak Forest remains an unforgettable place for all who visit.

5. Bethlen Castle in Cris

Just 18 kilometers from Sighisoara, in the picturesque village of Cris, lies a Renaissance treasure: Bethlen Castle. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, the castle served as a fortified noble residence for the Bethlen family, one of the region’s oldest and most influential aristocratic families. The castle features iconic elements, such as the Archers' Tower with its arcades supported by cylindrical columns and bastions. According to a legend, a Bethlen ancestor saved the village from a dragon, which is reflected in the family crest. After being abandoned in 1944 and deteriorating during the communist era, the castle was restored in 2007 and given to the Saint Francis Foundation in 2014 to become a cultural and tourist center. These are just a few of the hidden treasures of Mures County, places that tell stories from another time, landscapes that take your breath away, and destinations that keep alive the authentic spirit of Transylvania. From noble castles and fairytale villages to ancient forests and rare natural formations, Mures is a true gem for those who know how to look beyond the classic tourist trails. It is a county that harmoniously blends culture, nature, and tradition, inviting you to return every time with the same curiosity and fascination.